Efficient 1620 nm continuous-wave laser operation of Czochralski grown Er:Yb:Lu₂Si₂O₇ crystal

Efficient continuous-wave diode-pumped laser operation of Czochralski grown Er:Yb:Lu₂Si₂O₇ crystal is reported. Polarized absorption and emission spectra, fluorescence lifetimes, and energy transfer efficiency from Yb³⁺ to Er³⁺ were determined. A maximal output power of 522 mW was achieved at 1620 nm with slope efficiency of 15.8% and absorbed pump threshold of 470 mW. Among the Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺ co-doped materials with long fluorescence lifetimes of the upper level ⁴I_13/2, which are candidates for gain media of pulsed laser around 1.55 μm with high energy, comprehensive performance of the Er:Yb:Lu₂Si₂O₇ crystal is the best till now.